On Feb. 6, 1967, Kibbey was a member of Detachment 5, 38th Aerospace Rescue

and Recovery Squadron, when he, along with three other service members, were

crew members of an HH-3E helicopter on a rescue and recovery mission over

North Vietnam. After rescuing the pilot of a downed aircraft, Kibbey's

helicopter was hit by enemy ground fire, resulting in an internal explosion

and crash. Kibbey was subsequently reported missing in action. His status

was later amended to deceased.

DPAA is grateful to the government of Vietnam for their partnership in this

mission, as well as National Leagues of Families for their stalwart

persistence in accounting for missing service personnel.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days

prior to scheduled funeral services.

Kibbey's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National

Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, along with the others who are

missing from the Vietnam War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to

indicate he has been accounted for.

For more information about DPAA, visit www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media

at www.facebook.com/dodpaa, or call 703-699-1420/1169.

Kibbey's personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000BTbdEAG

Comments/Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Colonel Richard Abbott Kibbey, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as Co-Pilot of an HH-3E Rescue Helicopter of Detachment 5, 38th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group, SEVENTH Air Force, near Mugia Pass, North Vietnam on 6 February 1967. On that date, Captain Kibbey flew two sorties to rescue an American pilot downed in heavily defended hostile territory. On the second sortie, despite intense anti-aircraft fire and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Kibbey persevered in the rescue attempt until he was forced to leave the area. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Kibbey has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.